Close
Search
Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes
Explore the DunesExplore the Dunes
Explore the Dunes Dunes 101Getting HereIndiana Dunes National ParkIndiana Dunes State ParkOutdoor Adventures 9Outdoor AdventuresVisitor Center
Things to DoThings to Do
Things to Do Must See & DoArts & EntertainmentAttractions & RecreationOur CommunitiesPet FriendlyPet FriendlyShoppingVolunteerWinter Activities
Eat & DrinkEvents
Places to StayPlaces to Stay
Places to Stay Bed & BreakfastsHotels & InnsRVs & CampgroundsVacation HomesVacation Homes
Close
Search
Indiana Dunes
Indiana Dunes
Explore the DunesExplore the Dunes
Explore the Dunes Dunes 101Getting HereIndiana Dunes National ParkIndiana Dunes State ParkOutdoor Adventures 9Outdoor AdventuresVisitor Center
Things to DoThings to Do
Things to Do Must See & DoArts & EntertainmentAttractions & RecreationOur CommunitiesPet FriendlyPet FriendlyShoppingVolunteerWinter Activities
Eat & DrinkEvents
Places to StayPlaces to Stay
Places to Stay Bed & BreakfastsHotels & InnsRVs & CampgroundsVacation HomesVacation Homes
Things to Do 2 Header Item 1
Indiana DunesThings to Do

Things To Do

Sandy toes. Stress melting waves. Towering sand dunes. Heaven on Earth? You tell us. Between shoreline strolls, well-worn hiking trails, and pick up games of frisbee, you’ll discover a piece of paradise all your own. Here, you’ll find adventure and history intertwined in 15,000 acres of diverse national park terrain, acclaimed entertainment venues, beloved buildings, curated experiences, and a long list of local festivals.

View All Things to Do

Things to Do in the Indiana Dunes

Outdoor Adventures 3

Outdoor Adventures
A woman shopping at an outdoor festival

Dunes Deals
Beaches

Online Gift Shop
Pet Friendly 4

Pet Friendly
Arts & Entertainment

Arts & Entertainment
Volunteer Drop-In Program 6

Volunteer Drop-In

Two of Our Most Popular Trails

The 3 Dune Challenge

Three more reasons to get outside. Grab your friends, family, your furry friend, and a fitness tracker and discover the ultimate outdoor adventure with a challenging walk or run up the park’s three tallest dunes.

Diana of the Dunes Dare

Don’t just read about history, experience it! In honor of the daring and free spirit of Alice Mabel Gray, also know as Diana, a nearby sand hill has been named “Diana’s Dune.” You can now hike in Alice’s footsteps and explore the natural wonders of her beloved Dunes terrain.

Tales from the Dunes

Indiana Dunes Blog

Indiana Dunes National Park is 5th in the nation for biodiversity. That’s more than Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and the Everglades. Read more about monarchs and other diverse flora and fauna.

View All Stories
Arts & Entertainment

49er Drive-In Theatre: Family Fun With a 1950s Feel

The 49er Drive-In Theatre is Northwest Indiana’s only drive-in theater. Enjoy all the aspects of a 1950s drive-in merged with modern-day convenience.

Communities

Main Streets TV visits the Indiana Dunes

John McGivern's Main Streets visited the Indiana Dunes to film an episode of their travel show about the main streets of Midwestern communities.…

Things to Do

Five of the Best Winter Sledding Spots in the Indiana Dunes

These Indiana Dunes sledding spots are perfect for kids or adults itching to grab a sled and speed down a snowy hill.

Communities

Five Things to Do This November in the Indiana Dunes

November is a wonderful time to visit the Indiana Dunes. The temperatures are mild, the leaves are starting to fall, and the holiday season is just…

Communities

Shopping for Last-Minute Gifts in the Indiana Dunes

Still need last-minute gifts for your friends and family? Consider shopping at one of our many local boutiques and gift shops.

Things to Do

Mask-Uerade Video Contest

Take a photo or video of yourself or someone you know wearing a mask outside in Porter County and be entered to win prizes!

View Things to Do

  • Search

Chesterton Toys

This shop is a wonderland of classic and wooden toys, as well as unique, modern playthings, all with a strong focus on “kid-powered”…

201 S. Calumet Rd., Chesterton

Featured

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – Portage

Enjoy the comforts of home at the Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, located just 10 minutes from the Indiana Dunes. This charming hotel has plenty of…

1630 Olmstead Dr., Portage

Featured

Evexia Salt Cave

Evexia Salt Cave will take you back to the year 1839 when the first salt mine health resort was opened in Poland. We have created a simulated…

1583 S. Calumet Rd., Chesterton

Featured

Indiana Dunes Visitor Center

Want to create a personalized tour of the Indiana Dunes area? Stop by the Visitor Center where our front desk destination concierges will help you…

1215 N. State Road 49, Porter

Featured

Lifestyles

You’ll feel like Alice in Wonderland in this eclectic, edgy store. Every inch of its 10,000 square feet is filled with one-of-a-kind gifts from…

122 E. Lincolnway, Valparaiso

Featured

Spring House Inn

It’s one part hotel, one part country retreat, and all parts comfort. With more than 50 rooms perfect for business travelers, families, and anyone…

303 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Porter

Featured

The Flour Shoppe Bakery

Locally owned and operated gluten-free bakery. They offer sweet and savory options, bubble tea, and gourmet coffee.

540 Indian Boundary Rd., Chesterton

Featured

(219) Taproom

They feature 16 taps shared with only a few carefully curated breweries Their beers are unique to NWI! Their menu is as creative and unique as their…

109 S. 3rd St., Chesterton

312 Cafe

Family-friendly, work-friendly, full bar, and espresso bar. Dine-in, catering, and todo. Kids menu available.

312 N. Madison St., Hebron

49’er Drive-In Theatre

Experience a blast from the past at a place that has been chosen as one of the top drive-ins in the nation—open weekends in April, May, and…

675 N. Calumet Ave., Valparaiso

Showing Results 1-10 of 508

Looking for Even More Family Fun?

What will your family love about the Indiana Dunes area? Whatever adventures you find, the Indiana Dunes is a getaway the whole family can agree on.

Dunes Deals

Shake off the sand south of the Indiana Dunes! Dig up real savings with Indiana Dunes Deals and make the most of your vacation. Discounts ranging from a free scoop of ice cream to savings on your accommodations are like finding buried treasure.

Advertisements

Share your adventures with us by tagging #beachesandbeyond

Advertisements

Book a Place to Stay

Bed & Breakfasts

Feel like family with intimate accommodations that range from nature-inspired retreats in the woods to award-winning romantic getaways surrounded by gardens.

Hotels & Inns

A convenient stay located near downtown? What about a country retreat heaped in Old World charm? Or a place you can bring your four-legged friend? Your unique getaway deserves a distinct accommodation.